In Gujarat, a western state of India, officials said on Monday that ten persons had passed away from heart attacks during the performance of the “Garba” dance during the ongoing Navratri Hindu holiday.
The Garba dance is a celebration, adoration, and homage to the feminine aspect of divinity.
The word “garba” comes from the Sanskrit word garbha, meaning “womb.”
The deceased ranged from teenagers to middle-aged people, with the youngest being 13-year-old hailing from Dabhoi in Vadodara district.
Local TV news channel NDTV said “over 500 ambulance calls were made in 24 hours and the government has also issued an alert and asked the organisers of such events to take all necessary measures.
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“It said the measures should include ensuring that ambulances are available to take people to hospitals if they feel unwell.’’
The traditional Gujarati dance of Garba is among the key features of the Navratri festival, which spans over nine nights from Oct. 15, and is performed especially in the state of Gujarat.
The local Gujarat government has issued an alert to all public hospitals and community health centers close to Garba sites, advising them to be on high alert.
Doctors have advised revelers to avoid playing Garba for long stretches of time without taking breaks.
The event organizers have also been asked to keep automated external defibrillators which can help save lives in such situations.
Additionally, the organizers requested that some CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) trained personnel be on hand.
Xinhua/NAN
